His Leading Lady

by Jean Joachim

  “You learned about women from your sister?” She scooped up some coffee flavor and topping.

  “Megan. My twin sister.”

  “Twin?” Her eyes widened.

  “Yeah. Fraternal twin. Meg and I have been Frick and Frack since we were born. She’s getting her M.B.A. at Harvard. This is the longest we’ve been separated.”

  “Miss her?”

  “Sure do.”

  “It’s refreshing to hear a brother admit his misses his sister.”

  “She needs someone to look out for her.”

  “What about your parents?”

  “My mom can barely handle her own life. My dad isn’t around.”

  She picked up a bitter tone when he mentioned his father. Wonder what that’s about.

  Mark dipped his spoon into the mint chip and offered it to her. She opened, and he shoveled the confection in. Penny closed her lips over the food while making eye contact with him. Is it hot in here? He’s sexy. The ice cream cooled her some, but not enough.

  “Do you feed your sister, too?”

  “Hell, no!” He grinned.

  The next spoonful came from Penny to Mark. He opened wide. His gaze locked on hers then traveled down to her mouth. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, burned by his stare. Desire flashed briefly in his eyes before he looked away from her. A man who loves his sister and feeds me ice cream. Where have you been hiding?

  It took them almost an hour to finish the sundae. Mark ate the lion’s share, as Penny had to curb her calorie intake. She was satisfied fairly quickly and enjoyed watching him chow down. He must burn up a ton of calories every day. He’s trim. Her gaze trailed down his chest to his hips. Bet he’s got washboard abs under that shirt. Hope I get a chance to find out. Not tonight! Girl, slow down.

  Penny took a deep breath then hid her embarrassment at her own thoughts by picking up her water glass for a sip.

  “Are you convinced I’m not a rapist?”

  She grinned at him.

  “Will you let me drive you home?”

  “Only if you give this twenty back to Darvin.” Penny handed the bill to Mark.

  “I’d like to shove it, but hell, yeah. I’ll return it to him. So, you’re coming with me?”

  “Why not?”

  Mark paid the bill and pushed to his feet. He placed his hand on Penny’s lower back to guide her out to his SUV. The warmth from his touch sent a small sizzle up her spine. He opened the car door. He’s a gentleman now, but is he going to jump me in the front seat? When we get home? I hope not. She snapped the seatbelt on and sat back. Apprehension mixed with curiosity about this attractive man filled her mind. Her fingers played with the strap on her handbag as he put the vehicle in gear.

  Mark pulled into the parking lot of the building where Penny lived and killed the motor. He inched his hand closer to hers until they were touching. Can I see you again?” His gaze met hers.

  “Maybe.”

  “Maybe?”

  “Look. Mark, you seem like a nice guy, but I’m not into one-night stands, hooking up, or friends with benefits. I’m serious about my career and don’t want to end up in the tabloids, or screwed and dumped because you’re curious.”

  “Wow. A bit defensive, aren’t we?”

  “If you’ve had to deal with the crap that’s come my way, you’d be like this, too. Even guys who seem nice end up in a wrestling match. Star fucking is a popular hobby. I don’t play.”

  “Does that mean you don’t date?”

  “I don’t date much. I’m very choosy.”

  “Guess that lets me out, huh?”

  Crap! Didn’t mean to shoot him down. She placed her hand on his arm. “I didn’t mean that.”

  “So, you do want to go out with me? I’m confused.”

  “Could we start slow?”

  “Snail’s pace. Promise.” He raised his right hand and crossed his heart with the other.

  “Okay.” She blew out a breath.

  “How about we…uh…go bowling?”

  She laughed. “I haven’t gone bowling since high school. Sure. Great idea.”

  “Is there a bowling alley around here?”

  “Dunno. You recommended it, without knowing if there’s one near here?”

  “It was the first safe thing that came to mind.”

  “You’re funny. Go look it up. I have no clue.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. After gathering up her sweater and purse, she opened the car door.

  Mark’s hand on her shoulder stopped her. “Wait. When? What time?”

  Penny bit her lip and rolled her eyes. “Let’s see. How about Friday night?”

  “This Friday?”

  She nodded.

  “Can’t. Game on Saturday. I never go out the night before a game. Saturday night?”

  “Sure. Can I come to the game?”

  “I’ll have a ticket waiting at the box office for you. Two o’clock.”

  She smiled. “Sounds great!”

  “We’ll catch some dinner then bowling?”

  “You’re on.”

  “Can I have your number?”

  She plucked his phone off the seat, punched her number in, and then saved it.

  “Call me, then I’ll have yours, too.” Mark leaned over and brushed her lips lightly with his.

  “Thanks for the dessert,” she said.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Until Saturday, then. Good luck, by the way.” He smiled. She closed the door and stopped at the entrance to her building. Touching her lower lip with her finger, she watched him drive away. Could he be real? They don’t make ’em like that anymore.

  Chapter Two

  Saturday was a sunny day in Las Vegas. Penny took special care dressing. Be pretty, but not too sexy. A football game, dinner, and bowling. What to wear? She pulled out a pair of khaki pants and a dark pink cotton sweater. The sweater had a scoop neck, showing a hint of cleavage. A gold chain and earrings plus a bracelet helped set off the outfit without being fussy. Don’t want to have to keep track of a scarf today.

  Satisfied with her reflection in the mirror, she gave herself a spray of perfume, grabbed a light jacket, and headed out the door.

  When she pulled into the parking lot, her heartbeat quickened as a slight zing of apprehension shot through her. I hope he’s as nice as he seems, and I don’t run into that ass, Darvin Sweetwater. If these big guys decide you’re having sex, it’s impossible to fight them off. Penny shook off her apprehension, parked her car, and went to the box office. There was a ticket with her name on it and a note.

  Penny,

  Wait for me after the game. I’ll be out about twenty minutes after the last whistle. Meet me at my car.

  Mark

  P. S. Thanks for coming.

  She entered the temperature-controlled stadium and took her seat. The location was perfect, about ten rows up from the field and right behind the Gambler’s bench. A quick glance around told her she was in the wives’ and girlfriends’ section. A feeling of awkwardness combined with a bit of pride at being there. She shifted in her seat. The players weren’t out yet.

  Announcements from the loudspeaker echoed through the cavernous building. A few warm smiles came her way from other attractive young women sitting in the same area. She returned the greeting and settled back.

  Within fifteen minutes, the men took the field. A little thrill shot through her heart. I’m dating one of those guys. She searched the team, looking for Mark. Damn, he never told me his number. Her gaze hopped from face to face, until she found one looking back and smiling. She grinned. Number fifteen. Got it. Everyone stood up when the national anthem began to play.

  The Gamblers won the toss and elected to receive the kickoff. Her skin crawled when she noticed Darvin Sweetwater sitting on the bench near Mark. Pig. It wasn’t long before the Wyoming Wild Cats lost the ball and Darvin trotted onto the field. He was a hair shorter than Mark, but wider. He looked powerful as he went into formation.
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br />   Benches near her filled up, and the cheering became intense. The Gamblers were ahead by halftime. Penny’s gaze met Mark’s as the team ran off the field for a break. He gave her a nod before he left.

  “Which one is your husband?” the woman next to her asked.

  “Oh, I’m not married. I’m dating Mark Davis.”

  “Davis? He’s good. Nice guy, too,” the woman said as she rose up and stretched.

  “Thank you.” Penny smiled at her. Am I dating him? One date. That’s all. It’s not really dating.

  “Sue Stockton, Mike Stockton’s wife,” the woman said, with a nod.

  “Penny Thatcher.”

  “As long as Sweetwater stays healthy, Davis’ll never get to play,” Sue continued. “My husband’s the kicker. Hasn’t missed a field goal in twenty-six tries.” She offered her hand to Penny, who took it.

  “I don’t know much about football,” Penny said.

  Sue sat down and turned to face her. “Say, don’t I know you from somewhere?”

  “I have that kind of face. Could you tell me more about the game?” The woman dropped her questioning and launched into a detailed explanation of how the game was played and the strengths and weaknesses of the team.

  The Gamblers received the ball in the second half and began to run away with the game.

  “He might get a chance now. If they get one more touchdown…” Sue began.

  And sure enough, Darvin threw another touchdown pass. The score was thirty-five to ten with three minutes left to play. Penny leaned forward, twisting a tissue.

  “Punter’s out sick today. Mike’ll do the kick off,” Sue said, a gleam of pride in her smile.

  The Wildcats took the ball a few yards before the runner was taken down. It didn’t take long for them to lose possession. One interception by a defenseman, and it was the Gambler’s turn to drive to the goal line again.

  “Do you think Mark’ll get to play?” Penny asked.

  “Yep. Looks like they’re sending him in.” Sue said, pointing to number fifteen pushing to his feet. “Coach usually sends in the second string for some practice when they’re way ahead.”

  A little thrill shot through Penny when Mark glanced at her for a second before covering his sunny, blond hair with his helmet and trotting onto the field. Her heart thumped, and her palms went damp. Suddenly, Mark’s performance mattered. She hardly knew him, but she wanted him to succeed. Not just to best the obnoxious, full-of-himself Darvin Sweetwater, but to win out because he was good, the best. He seemed so nice, so real.

  Her gaze was riveted to the field, and she held her breath. If he’s good, he’ll become more famous than I am. She smiled at the image of being interrupted at dinner by people asking for his autograph. The huddle broke, and Penny focused her thoughts and attention on Mark.

  ****

  Mark nodded once to Penny, then put his helmet on and ran out on the field. His pulse quickened. Playing was enough of a thrill, but doing it in front of the girl who’d captured his dreams night after night was the chance of a lifetime. He uttered a silent prayer his offensive line would protect him long enough for him to get off a great pass.

  He made eye contact with his friend, Harley Brennan, a wide receiver. Harley grinned a knowing smile and glanced at the stands. Mark raised his eyebrows for a second before calling the play. When the ball was snapped, Mark’s total concentration was on the game. He dropped back. The line held long enough for him to fire a shot at Gam Leadbetter, who was about fifteen yards out and not covered. Gam plucked the ball out of the air and ran for a few more yards before he was brought down.

  Adrenaline surged through Mark’s veins. He was so focused, he didn’t even hear the crowd cheering. When the huddle broke, he handed the ball off to Harley, who ran for twelve more yards for another first down. Mark was pumped.

  Again, they huddled. This time, one of their tackles slipped up, and Wyoming’s middle linebacker broke through the line. He was enormous and charging straight for Mark.

  Before he even blinked, his football instinct kicked in. Mark faked right, then cut left, sidestepped the defender diving for him, and took off. Finding a hole in the defense, he ran for eleven yards then slid in just before being tackled.

  The crowd went wild. Mark could do no wrong. Smart enough not to let his luck go to his head, he calmly broke the huddle and took the ball back for another throw. Again, he landed a bullet, this time in Harley’s arms. Touchdown!

  A warm feeling of satisfaction traveled through him. A peek at the stands confirmed that Penny, on her feet cheering, had seen it all. Mike Stockton loped on the field to kick for the extra point. Mark headed for the bench. He removed his helmet and sank down on the seat.

  “Don’t let a few lucky plays go to your head, Davis, you douche bag,” Darvin said.

  “Luck had nothing to do with it.”

  “Call me when you get to my level, in about ten years.”

  “Go fuck yourself.”

  A stern look from the coach silenced Mark. Darvin made a face behind the coach’s back. I’m not going to let this asshole take away my victory. Turning his head, Mark directed his gaze toward the stands again. Penny was watching him. He lifted his hand in a brief wave, and she smiled. Darvin turned to see who Mark was looking at.

  “You fucking piece of shit! She’s mine.”

  “In your dreams,” Mark said.

  “She was my date.”

  “Shut the hell up, and watch the game!” the coach growled at the two quarterbacks.

  Mark faced forward, returning his attention to the action. Damn, only forty-five seconds left to play. I won’t get back on the field. He frowned.

  Playing time for second-stringers was always in short supply. Unless a starter got injured, the others had to bide their time. Frustration built up and some quit. Others tried out for different teams. Mark was grateful to have the job. He made a good salary, just over three hundred grand a year, which he needed desperately.

  Mark’s father had taken a powder when he was just a teenager. Since then, he’d shouldered the burden that should have rested on his dad. He was paying off the one hundred and sixty thousand dollar debt for his and his sister’s college educations at Kensington State University. He was also paying forty thousand a year for his sister’s Master’s degree at Harvard. And he was giving his mother money every month to supplement her meager teacher’s pension and social security.

  While other players lived in spacious houses on a half-acre of land, Mark rented a two-bedroom apartment. He had just enough room for himself and a place for Megan to crash when she came to visit. Resentment crept into his tone whenever he referred to his dad, who had left without a trace and never contacted the family again. Mark had adored him, worshipped him. His father had been the one who had taught him to throw a football and do math.

  When he had left, Mark had been devastated. While Meg waited, sure their father would return, Mark had given up. His love had soured into hate. He refused to talk about his dad and forbid Meg from bringing him into conversation.

  Even with his impressive salary, there wasn’t a ton of money left over for dating. Meg’s conservative financial advice had Mark saving every dime he could, in case he got injured. He admitted that he worried about that possibility, too. What would he do if he got hurt, couldn’t play, and got cut from the team? Who would take care of Meg and his mom?

  His sister set up a savings plan for him. She assured him that after her education was complete, she’d find a job with the biggest salary she could get, so Mark wouldn’t have to shoulder such a big burden alone. He didn’t know much about finance or opportunities for lucrative jobs for women, so he simply planned to be supporting her forever.

  Worry about Penny’s expectations entered his mind. Will she be happy with cheaper dates? I can’t drop a couple hundred on dinner every week. Bet she’s used to high rollers. Maybe I’m in over my head.

  The whistle blew, signaling the end of the game. Mark smiled. A vic
tory and a date with Penny. Doesn’t get any better than this.

  Darvin ran up next to him as they trotted toward the locker room. “You stole my girl. I’ll get you for that,” he whispered.

  “She was never your girl. Let it go, Darvin.”

  “Watch your back, newbie.” Darvin dropped back to slap his wide receivers on the back while he shot Mark an evil look.

  ****

  Penny’s voice was a little hoarse from cheering. She stopped in the ladies room to freshen her makeup and comb her hair before meeting Mark. Watching him in action, she had been impressed. He had been powerful, quick, accurate, and graceful. She got goose bumps at the idea that a star athlete like him was her date.

  He was the guy at Jean Louis. I ran into him. Like running into a brick wall. She recalled losing herself for a few moments in his blue eyes the day she had smacked into him. She had been intrigued, but her companion, one of the actors from her show, had pulled her away before she could find out his identity. Mark was handsome and appeared to be normal, respectful. Although that wasn’t certain yet, she relished being in his company again.

  There was something about him that had made her feel safe. It was an unusual sensation for Penny, and she treasured it. Her exceptional looks had not brought her an easy life. Close to her mother, the young teen was crushed when she died suddenly of an aneurysm. Her mom had entered her in beauty contests and started her modeling at a young age. Her father had doted on them, until her mother passed. He was lost without his smart wife and soon began to drown his sorrow in alcohol.

  As a young teenager, Penny continued to model. When her father began to fall apart, he leaned more and more on her. Missing work often due to hangovers or binges led to his getting fired. As money became scarce, her father relied on her earnings to pay the rent and put food on the table.